Office

Made the best with the small space (and budget) I had. It's organized 

and that's what matters to me.

Miscellany Monday

Randomness.

1. Last week my best friend found out that she's having a baby GIRL! I'm so excited. We found out when they cut into the cake. They are spending the holidays in France - I can't wait to see the fun things she brings back for the baby girl.

2. *Updated Shop* 

Order today and use the coupon code holiday30 to get 30% off your entire order and get it before Christmas! (Domestic orders only) Go here

3. I work with children about the age of the children senselessly killed last week. What happened at that elementary school can make you lose hope for the good in the world.

via

Link up.

Horrible.

I am filled with sadness for the families in Connecticut.
Who goes into an elementary school and opens fire?
These were small children. Tiny little humans. Innocent boys and girls.

I imagine they went to school today with the excitement a Friday brings. I'm sure they were looking forward to the weekend, spending time with friends and family.

I imagine these children will never think of Christmas the same.

Children don't understand evil. They have no understanding of random violence. The frame of reference most children have about violence is Star Wars or Super Heros. Where only the "bad guys" are killed or kill.

I can't imagine the confusion these children are going to have and the questions they are going to ask. Their parents will have no words to tell them why this happened to their school.

In the rest of the country...

The most important thing a parent of a young child can do tonight is to turn off the tv. Shelter them from this tragedy. Don't talk about it in front of them. They don't need to know anything about it.

Children can't cope with this violence.  They will not understand it if you talk to them about it. There is no way to tell your child that this man was "sick." They have no concept of mental illness.

I wish I could make this all go away.

High Five for Friday

Hi all! I'm linking up with Lauren @ From My Grey Desk for High Five for Friday. It's been another quick and busy week. Here are a few highlights.

1. I created some little clips for a sweet one year old.

2. A shirt from my fabulous husband...too bad it was to small.

3. I've been working to improve my office at work. Details next week.

4. Kind of obsessed with glitter nail polish. 

5. Had a long training on Monday. That cup of coffee saved my life.

Link up.

Enjoy your weekend!

Laura

TLC Confession

Hi, my name is Laura and I watch Sister Wives on TLC. I adore the Sister Wives. Here's why:

Meri

Meri is my favorite sister wife. Actually she's tied with Christine but, I'll get to that in a bit. Meri is Kody's first wife (his real legal wife). She knew before she got married that she wanted to have a plural marriage - or sister wives.  She has said that she's never ever imagined what it would be like to not have sister wives. She comes off as kind, organized and reliable on the show. I think I would be her friend. She has one child with Cody. They've tried for more but have been unsuccessful. Recently the newest sister wife, Robyn, offered to carry a baby for her and Cody. Um, weird!? I think so! I hope she doesn't do it. It would be way too weird. 

Janelle

Janelle is Cody's second wife and the mother to his first child. She has a great no nonsense attitude. I believe she is the one who has always had the higher paying job in the family. She's serious and smart. She has a lot of kids. I honestly don't know how many. There are 16 children total so it's hard to keep track. I admire Janelle because she's been trying to get her physical health back in check this last year. She's dedicated to losing weight.. She may not be to the weight she wants to be at but, she is stronger than she's ever been. 

Christine

Christine is the third wife to Cody. She is seems to be the fun/funny sister wife. I don't know what it is about her but, she makes me laugh. Especially when she was working out for the first time. That would totally be me. Although she's the fun wife she's also the jealous wife. She is having a hard time with Cody's new wife - her new sister wife. I imagine she would be. She was cody's last wife. The three sister wives were Cody's only wives for 16 years! 

Robyn and Cody

Robyn and Cody have been married for about 2 years. She joined the family after Meri met her at a party and introduced her to Cody. Meri really encouraged their relationship. From the beginning of Cody and Robyns relationship I haven't been able to warm up to her. I feel like she tries too hard and is overly emotional. About everything. I find myself siding with the other wives. I feel like Cody gives her too much attention. Robyn is divorced and came into the family with three children. Her and Cody just had a baby boy.

**

This family has endured so many things...together. I don't believe in plural marriage but, I believe in their marriage(s). They are living in Las Vegas after being "chased" from Utah. They are living in four different houses (which Cody spends a night a week at each one). The homes are not very close to each other.

Don't judge me for my love of this family. They fascinate me. They inspire me. If they can make it through all of their trials and tribulations dealing with their husband, 16 children, and other wives. I think my husband and I can do it too!

**

Have you ever watched the show?

(All photos are from TLC.com)

Christmas Movies?!

I love Christmas movies. Especially made-for-TV movies on ABC Family.
Movies I watch every year even though I've seen them many times.

***

1. The Snowglobe

This gal, Angela, loves Christmas. She's in search of the PERFECT Christmas...which, not to give anything away but, she finds it in a Snowglobe. It's such a fun movie. A thoughtless, happy ending, holiday movie. Watch it. 

***

2. Holiday In Handcuffs

Melissa Joan Hart and Mario Lopez. Enough said. It's fabulous. 

She kidnaps him - pretends he's her boyfriend - has a quirky family - Watch it.

***

3. Santa Baby and Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe

She's a big city bigwig and her father is...SANTA! There's mischievous elves and an old flame from her past. Not kidding. One of my favorites.

***

4. Christmas Cupid

She's a publicist for a famous pop singer who dies before Christmas. This pop singer comes back to "haunt" her into having a better life. Oh, the good old story of the dead pop singer coming back to inspire millions. Watch it. Be inspired.

and...

***

**MY ALL TIME FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIE**

I grew up watching this Christmas classic. I wanted those red dresses as my bridesmaid dresses in my wedding. I wanted to perform in front of a beautiful Christmas tree on Christmas with a backdrop of snow. Ahhhh snow. 

Watch it. Love it. Seriously. Do it.

Enjoy your day!

Laura

Miscellany Monday

Happy Miscellany Monday!

I've been enjoying the busyness that surrounds Christmas with shopping and the company of great friends.

I sold my 2000th item in my Etsy store - Poppy and Pippa! This is such an exciting milestone. Not only did I sell my 2000th item on Etsy - I had a great Poppy and Pippa party on Friday night! This little "hobby" is turning into a real blessing.

*2000 SALES*

Last week I was able to take the teachers I work with out for a wonderful holiday meal...I also gave them BONUSES - for the first time! (Side note: anyone who works in early childhood knows there's really no such thing as a bonus.) I was able to do this with the unspecified grant we received. I was so excited to do this for the teachers! 

These gals make my job so much fun! 

I had also planned on sharing all of the secret santa gifts I gave last week but, you'll have to wait :)

Enjoy Your Day!

Seriously. {An Early Childhood Education Rant}

Did you know that 96% of the workforce in North Dakota makes a higher wage than early childhood teachers?

Did you know there is no reimbursement system for early childhood in North Dakota? All revenue comes from tuition.

Did you know that the teachers have to have low wages in order to provide affordable programs?

I had someone ask me the other day why I decided to work with young children. She asked if I was crazy. No, in fact, I am not crazy. Just like the late Whitney Houston said "I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way..." Seriously. I just quoted Whitney Houston.

Why is it that people caring for the elderly are paid almost twice as much as those that care and educate young children? I realize that they need some nursing skills but, we spend every single day with your child. Your child who has only been on this earth about 36 months. Seriously.

I am the director of an early learning program. We educate and care for children 20 months to Kindergarten. I admire each and every teacher working in our program.

Would you spend every day with a group of 20 month - 36 month olds? With the crying, pooping, potty training, cleaning, wiping, dressing...and finally teaching. Seriously.

Each and everyday I thank God that I had the opportunity to be a teacher for eight years before taking on an administrative role.

Miscellany Monday

I had a great weekend!

Friday night:
My sister and I went shopping. We shopped until we almost dropped. I had one goal - shop for my Secret Santa gifts. Goal accomplished! I would share but, she may read this and that would ruin it!

Saturday:
Jess and I met to get our nails done and do a little browsing at the mall. Big mistake. Huge. I hate crowds of people as does she. I don't know what we were thinking. We didn't last long, but our nails look fab!

Sunday:

Lazy morning updating poppyandpippa.com with a couple of new items and checking out Pinterest. The afternoon was spent filling orders. I am so excited about all of the items going out for stocking stuffers and Secret Santa gifts! 

One of the new listings.

Buy here.

** A T T E N T I O N **

I'm so close to selling 2000 items! I am thrilled and because of this and the holiday season I'm going to give a coupon for 50% AN ENTIRE ORDER to the person who purchases the 2000th item! (The coupon will be sent to the purchaser to be used on the next purchase). Seriously, 2000!!

*as of Sunday night only 26 items away from 2000! Visit poppyandpippa.com  to join the fun.

Enjoy your day!

Seriously!?

I haven't been an avid blogger the last couple of months so, I haven't posted any What I Wore Wednesday pics. I have, however, been taking the pics each day with the intention of posting them on a Wednesday. I finally had some time to myself last night and went through them.

Wow. I can't believe I left the house for work in a few of the outfits. I guess that's what happens when I get dressed for work at 5:45 am and pick out my clothes at 10 pm the night before. I'm too tired at night to care or have some strange idea that something will look good and when I put it on in the morning I don't really care.

I am making a pledge to myself to start caring. For the sake of those around me. It's crazy the different shapes my body looks in all the different outfits. I'm not surprised that a three-year old asked me the other day if I had a baby in my tummy (I don't). I don't blame her one bit!

Check it.

outfit (l) Casual Friday - Cardi/Old Navy, Denim top/Old  Navy, Jeans/Silver, and Shoes/Vans

outfit (r) Adorable Scarf/gift, Dress/Old Navy, Jacket/Gap, Leggings/Gap, and Boots/Etienne Aigner

outfit (l) Denim top (ON - didn't wear in the same week!!), Cardi/Target, Skinnies/Gap, Boots/Gap

outfit (r) A holy crap what was I thinking outfit!! No reason to share brands... It's just sad.

outfit (l) Top/Target, Jacket/Gap, Belt/Target, Jeans/Joe's Jeans (thrifted!!), and Bass wedges

outfit (r) Another "I got dressed in the dark" outfit! Blech! It's horrible.

So, kids, what have we learned from these photos?

WEARING SHIRTS UNTUCKED MAKES YOU LOOK FAT!! (and some jeans suck too)

Someday I'd like to have a closet like Cher's on Clueless (check out the link - there's a modern day version of the closet using Microsoft Kinect)

If I can't have an electronic device help me with choosing clothes maybe I can have something like this...

Source: justbesplendid.tumblr.com via Allie on Pinterest

Source: hgtv.com via Kristie on Pinterest

A girl can dream...Can't she?

Enjoy your friday!!

ps. Hey you! Do you have your RED and GREEN on? No? Well, here's your chance to get ALL CHRISTMAS at 40% off today!! (Items already marked down - no coupon code needed)
So, what are you waiting for? Go Shopping!!
www.poppyandpippa.com

I Wish I could Decorate for Christmas

There will be no tree or Christmas decor at our house this year. Not because we don't want to decorate but, because of Whidbey. Yes, Whidbey our wonderful little cat that runs our lives. We really don't have anything on any surface at our house to accommodate the cat.

If I could decorate I would use a couple of these ideas from Pinterest

Source: madformidcentury.com via Laura on Pinterest

Source: curbly.com via Laura on Pinterest

Source: familycircle.com via Laura on Pinterest

Source: todayscreativeblog.net via Laura on Pinterest

BLACK FRIDAY *SALE*

All Fabric flower clips will be marked down 50%

Enter *TURKEYWEEKEND2012* at checkout 

for 25% off your entire order

All orders will receive a coupon for a percentage off your next order

$0 - $25 = 10% off Coupon
$26 - $50 = 20% off Coupon
$51 - $100 = 30% off Coupon
Anything above $101 will receive a coupon for 40%

I'm still taking orders for custom items - let me know what you're thinking and I'll get started on it ASAP!

Best. Husband. Ever.

I have the best husband a girl could ask for.
I often wonder how I got so lucky.

Look at the email he sent me today!

I can't wait!
But, I'm not sure why we need 350 square feet of hotel room...

Have a wonderful weekend! I know I will :)

What I Wore Wednesday

Happy Halloween!

Today is a day many teachers dread. I was one of those. The kids are eager to have a party and to eat candy. They want to go trick or treating from the time they arrive. I also dreaded it because i'm not a huge fan of Halloween. I don't know why but, I just don't care for it.

That being said - check out some former costumes I wore as a teacher (just two out of the eight years)...

Howdy Partner...

(notice how skinny I was)

Strawberry Shortcake (my version)

I look like a baby in these pictures! 

Now, not so much a baby.

Here's what I'm wearing today - unfortunately, I couldn't get to funked up because I'm interviewing teacher aides today. I don't want them to think I'm crazy.

I'm Here!

Hello!

It's Monday. Ugh. I mean, Yay! I mean, ugh.

Does anyone else feel blech when it's cloudy for days on end? I do. We were lucky enough to have a little sunshine this weekend but, the majority of the past two weeks have been cloudy. I need a little sunshine! How about you?

So, for now, I'm going to go to work and come home and go to bed. I love the midwest but, I could use  some Florida sunshine about now... Damn this seasonal affective disorder! I swear it hits earlier and earlier every year.

Sorry for being so grouchy. I promise I'll do better tomorrow.

Enjoy your day,
Laura

Miscellany Monday

What a GREAT weekend!

Seriously, there is nothing better than a couple of days with no plans.

On Saturday Bill and I laid around watching TV for most of the day.
We finished the latest season of Damages.
So. Good.

Saturday afternoon my Sister, Sophie and I went to Ulta and Hobby Lobby for a little girl time. I purchased my first sulfate-free shampoo.

I had a coupon for 20% off my entire purchase for being a valued customer! Plus the Biolage was buy two get one free! I also purchased the bareMinerals - Mineral Veil SPF 15 - in the compact.

I've been using the Ready Foundation for about two months and love it! I'm so glad my favorite products come in compacts now. I've been using bareMinerals for about 8 years and wouldn't use any other foundation / powder than this.

With the compact you just tap the brush on the foundation and with long strokes apply it - rather than the swirl technique of the loose power.  The brush that is recommended for use with the foundation is called the Precision Face Brush - I purchased it and it works fantastic!

I love Netflix. I stream it on the AppleTV. On Sunday, while Bill was working I was watching Crossing Jordan while working on Poppy and Pippa products and doing laundry. 

I was able to create, take photos of new items, and list them on Poppyandpippa.com - Check it out below -  I added back the hair tie color choice option sets!

Poppyandpippa.com

I even had a chance to paint my nails.

Have a great monday!

SALE!

SALE! 25% off your entire purchase Today (10/18) and Tomorrow (10/19)! Enter JUSTBECAUSE at checkout to receive this discount! All orders will be mailed on MONDAY!

Dainty

Dainty is not a word anyone would use to describe me.

I'm loud.

Have a ridiculous laugh.

I am not dainty.

But recently I see  dainty (i.e. small, delicate, simple) jewelry all over the place - bracelets, necklaces, and rings.

Love these...

Source: etsy.com via Laura on Pinterest

Source: honestlywtf.com via Renee on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Laura on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Laura on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Laura on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Laura on Pinterest

What are you loving right now?