Chevron

 Here's an outfit from the first of the scorcher 38 degrees days back in July. I bought this dress- Max studio- brand new with tags in the charity shop back in March thinking it would be a good Summer dress as it has sleeves but is a light fabric.  On the hot days, it was still too hot! 

I styled it with my Toms Hurache shoes made of woven cord and leather.

And my nan's "dried banana" necklace- fun fact- I wore this for my first ever Style Imitating Art outfit.

And finally, to cinch the waist, added my "Ann belt"- named as I bought it in Cardigan as it reminded me of lovely Polyester Princess Ann's beautiful belts

The dress looks way better with a belt as otherwise it hangs from the chest area- I prefer to accent my waist!

Roses are red

Imitation is not always the best form of flattery or at least a way to keep you warm!

I've long liked looks with long socks but I suspect at 34, I should not be trying these things. Anyone who tells you long socks are a way to keep warm with flesh-coloured tights is patently lying! It was freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeezing with a real draft! Back to the drawing board!

However, I genuinely liked the look. I keep deciding to cull this dress, then I wear it and think, oh it looks quite nice. it shall stay! It's the material though, which to cotton-loving me, does not say either, "Cool for summer," or "Warm and cosy for Winter,". I look at it and the material doesn't appeal although the dress itself is something I very much like!

I've been a music teacher now for 7 years this term.  It's funny that though I have lessons that I've taught many times, they never remain the same, I'm always evolving them, improving, adapting to the new curriculum, gaining a new perspective, making new links, exploring new vocabulary and the suchlike and I really like that I can do things the same BUT that I am always changing and evaluating.  Like today's first lesson of the new unit on Pentatonic music for year 4 which has evolved from an initial 5 week unit for Year 4 which I put together about 4 years ago, which has evolved into a longer 10 week programme. We were exploring a beautiful song I learnt during my LSO training course and I was able to make so many links to our previous unit on drones, teach them new vocabulary and re-explore old vocabulary in different contexts. My classes, both of which were very difficult, in the past, really responded well to it and I could firmly say that everyone in the class was able to achieve on several levels and understand- it's a delight to see that even some of those that struggle engaged and managed so well. It's these moments that we live for, those roses that bloom and blossom for us and give us joy! I often know those lessons where children want to hang around and talk to me afterwards despite the fact it is their lunch/play,they want to share something musical from their outside life.

Outfit details:

Dress,belt and socks: Primark old.

Wedges- Clarks

Cardigan- George kids.

Velvet beret- Kangol via Charity shop

Comma

I have been riding my little pink scooter to work for several days in the last couple of weeks.Yes, it is one of those that kids use. Yes, it's pink. Yes, I look a twit.  This morning, I sailed out of the station near school and zoomed down the hill.  Suddenly noticed a man coming out of the taxi place and knew I might hit him and was just about to put on the brakes but then my panama started to fly off my head. In the end, he jumped out of the way but it was very embarassing. And then I saw the dad of one of my kids at school who has laughed at my scooter before and also seen me trying to get past someone in a bit of a frustrated hurry. You know here people are walking 3 abreast and hogging the pavement? Now he sees me almost mow down a taxi driver. All good for the image ya!


In choir tonight, we were singing Ain't no  mountain high enough and these two year 5 girls in the centre were really singing their hearts out.  One of these is a Lithuanian girl who rarely SMILES (or very rarely, a sort of half smile or it never quite reaches her eyes.). She also doesn't seem to blink. I  think she may secretly be a lizard in disguise.  There's a word I am trying to think of to describe her- you know Eeyore in Winnie the pooh, the characteristic of him! I really like her, she's enthusiastic about drumming club and choir and music lessons and hangs out with me at playtime when I am on duty.  At the end of this rendition of the song, I said, "A particular big shout out to X and Y who were just shining and singing beautifully, giving it their all. And I saw the most beautiful, shy smile erupt over her face- I have never seen this before- she at once looked beautiful! I was touched by her reaction. She and the other girl were really pleased. As we sang other songs, particular other children really shone, another one was singing really strongly in Sing and the delight in her eyes as I singled her out was gorgeous. I often praise individuals in lessons but in choir, it's generally the collective who I praise but I think I should do more of singling out individuals like this.


I've lost my front door keys - somehow they disappeared on Saturday afternoon when I got back from cleaning out at Grandad's house. It's really annoying because it has meant for 2 days this week, I have had to wait outside for CBC to get home for at least 30mins. Need to get some keys cut but not sure when we can do this. Life is busy at the moment.




My goodness, my skin looks grim in these pictures!  I forgot to put moisturiser on this morning and my skin really let me know it! I like my freckles but they also don't help the dry effect!

This is what I wore today. The dress was a thrift/Charity shop purchase a while back and I am little annoyed because the bottom button is has ripped the material around it, so not sure how long it will last or what to do about it. With the best will in the world, I will not get around to sewing it- ahrgh!
The belt was also a recent charity shop purchase. I really liked it- reminded me of Great Gatsby, not quite sure exactly why!  It also reminds me of a comma! It's Country casuals leather and it works really well, I look forward to teaming it with sweaters in the winter! My Head-teacher also liked it. I think she may have wanted to steal it!

CBC took these photos. Which is why some are a bit bizarre! He was taking shots at all sorts of weird angles because he was amused that I didn't know what he was taking! The big mouth open shot says, "You are cheeky, why did you just take a close-up of my armpit!?!?!?!!"- Not featured by the way! You don't need to see that!

I am one of the luckiest teacher in school. Why?  Because I have discovered my current room has air conditioning!  It used to be the ICT room and housed the server so it had to have the AC. I have to share a remote control with another room but if I remember, my room can be cool and lovely!

Tomorrow, am taking the Year 2 choir to another school for the annual KS1 singing festival. I feel a bit more unprepared than I usually do for this occasion but it will still be fun. I have two lovely Year 6 girls coming too as they offered to help me with choir!

Hope you are well.
xx

Friendly Robins

Sometimes you just throw something together that really pleases you!  This outfit came together through the joy of a robin-print scarf (#WARDROBE ZOO ALERT!)

Dress:  Time

Necklace:  Topshop

Belt:  Charity shop

Scarf:  Primark

Beret:  crotched by Mum

Tights: Tescos

Shoes:  Red or dead

Hope you are well and happy xxx