Feel Good Friday

Happy Friday, sweet friends!!!

what I've been up to...

Ahh the colors of summer! I got my fingernails done for the first time last weekend in years! My sister left for college on Thursday & this was our last Rice girls hoorah before she leaves.

We ate at Torchy’s Tacos in Wichita for lunch on Sunday after church & it was ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! Baja shrimp on the left & green chile pork on the right.

Said (a very tearful) goodbye to my sweet sis on Sunday after church. (She left for college (go cats!!) on Thursday, but Sunday was the last day I would see her before she left).
While I’m sad for myself (& my other sister, Avery lol) that she won’t be living as close, I truly couldn’t be more excited for her as she heads off to Manhappiness in a few days. Her journey is just beginning! & what a sweet one it will be! I feel such peace knowing she’s going to a spot I love full well. K-State, you’re getting a good one!!

outfits of the week…

For the past few months or so I’ve started *trying* to consistently share my OOTD (outfit of the day) just for fun! I’m typically able to link most pieces, but I also just share it to hopefully give a bit of inspiration & show you that you can recreate my outfits by just using pieces from your own closet. Since I work in a middle school, I’m officially on summer break so my OOTDs will look a little different. Trading in my pixie pants for comfy shorts!

Sunday…

I wore this t-shirt to church on Sunday as a reminder to myself that I can say goodbye to my sister, & a reminder to her that she can leave for college & it’ll all be okay! I was so pleased to see that the font of the word “can” perfectly matches this skirt I have from Target! One of my favorite things is pairing t-shirts with skirts because it dresses it down just a bit & makes it more my style. I’m sure this is going to be a top repeater for me during the school year!

Monday...

I started work this week so I’ve been getting the most out of my comfies with working from home before reporting to the school next week. I’ve become absolutely obsessed with this striped t-shirt from Target (sharing how to wear it another way below) & this muted crewneck from Walmart. Both are only $12 & are such steals! I’m wearing a medium in the tee (true to size) & a small in the crewneck (a little oversized, but it shrinks a bit when you wash it).

Tuesday...

I’m sure you’ve seen me wearing this exact outfit previously this summer, but that’s because I love each of these pieces so much!!

Wednesday...

I had a few different meetings on Wednesday & knew I’d be in the air conditioning a bunch so I wore one of my new crewnecks from BsKnees! Blaire did all of my t-shirts & this crewneck for my cheer squad & we love them! I’ve gotten lots of other things from her before & they’re all the same great quality & she’s just so easy to work with. Her shop just launched some new chiefs gear & she’s always taking custom orders as well. She’s the best!

Thursday...

On Thursday I had some meetings in the morning & got some work done before heading to Chill for the afternoon & evening!

In case you missed it, this week I shared my monthly book review post! I read six books & some of them were really good ones! You can read that post by clicking here.

friday favs...

This past Christmas I got a kindle paperwhite & I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been totally & completely obsessed with this new gadget! The past two years I’ve started to rediscover my love of reading, especially fiction. But let me tell ya, reading isn’t a cheap hobby! I loved the idea of holding a physical book in my hand, so I was kind of nervous that I wasn’t going to like reading from a kindle, but I actually really do! One of the main things thatI noticed is that I easily get lost in it — in the stories & the characters. Also, I have baby hands & the kindle is WAY more comfortable & easier to hold than a physical book. Plus, since it’s so small, it fits right into my purse & I can take it with me wherever I go. Of course I had to get a cute case / cover because duh. I thought it was worth sharing again because it’s SO STINKING CUTE!!!

Y’all know how much I love my bracelets! They’re such a fun way to accessorize & express who you are. While some people say that you shouldn’t be defined by your job, my job (as a middle school counselor) 100% makes me who I am & I’m actually really thankful for that. I love this wooden “counselor” bracelet from B.A. Bracelets! I’ll link to their Instagram page here where you can DM them to order. They’re super easy to talk to & really want to make you happy with your purchase!

If you’ve been around here for awhile, then you know that I love to always have my nails done. I’ve had my own shellac machine for 5+ years & I’ve built up my collection of colors, but I’m always down to try new things. I’ve seen tons of bloggers post about Red Aspen Nails — a up & coming company that sells glue-on nails, amongst other beauty products. My mom, sisters & I each bought a set for ourselves to try, & we all loved them so much that we ordered a bunch more sets — you can reuse them which is SO nice! Mine stay on for 10-15 days! I’ve been loving bright colors this spring & thought these were too cute! The color is Harper Picks Peonies Nail Dash Square. I typically keep my nails pretty short, but I’m not necessarily opposed to having them a bit longer like these. If you’re interested in getting some for yourself, you can go to my page here to order & I’ll get some commission off of it! Y’all know how much I appreciate all of your support!

This is the set I put on for the 4th of July! This color is Americana Nail Dash Square (unfortunately it looks like it’s out of stock).

This lounge set is fun & a little different than what I usually go for! The two pieces come together which is always nice — I’m wearing a medium in both. This is a perfect transition lounge set because the shorts are bermuda-style & the material of both pieces is super thin & light so you’re not going to get overheated while it’s still toasty outside. The top is cute enough to be worn on its own, maybe with jeans or even leggings.

This whole outfit is from Target! These pants are a comfier version of linen pants & are sooo soft & cozy. I got a medium in the shorts & t-shirt — I could’ve sized down in the pants, but the t-shirt is the perfect fit for me. I love the bright yellow color & the deep pockets & the fact that they’re $20! The tee is $12! Such a steal for both!

If this outfit doesn’t give you all the fall vibes, then you’re wrong, sis. ;) Both the dress & my booties are from Target! My booties are from last season, so these exact ones are no longer in stock, but I linked to some similar options below. This dress is super similar to some others that I’ve tried on this summer as far as the floral print & the tiered levels with bell sleeves. The colors in this one are so perfect for fall! I’m wearing a small & would say it fits oversized — I could’ve sized down one or two sizes.

Next up is a shacket from Target! I personally think it’s way thicker than the other shackets I’ve tried. This one is lined & is so much warmer so I’d wear it as a coat instead. I’m wearing a small & it’s very roomy — size down one or two depending on how you’d like it to fit. It comes in another color option, but I love this purple & pink print! It’s $50 which seems like a lot for a shacket, but is probably reasonably priced as a coat.

You guys!!! I think I just found my first day of school outfit! This sweet little number is from Walmart & I honestly don’t even know where to start with it. It’s so flattering & gives a great shape to your body. The sleeves have the tiniest bit of ruffle on them which is very slimming — I’ve noticed I love almost every top / dress I’ve tried on that has this detail. I think this dress will be super cute in the fall with booties & a denim jacket or cardigan! Such a great staple piece to add to my wardrobe!

I’ve been on a bit of a skirt kick lately because they’re so comfy & look darling at the same time. I found this floral wrap skirt from Walmart & it’s stinkin’ adorable & great quality! There’s no slip underneath, but some spanks do the trick just fine. I’m wearing a medium but totally could’ve done a small because you tie it so you get to decide how tight it is! $9 y’all!!!

Would you believe me if I told you this is a men’s crewneck from Walmart? Well believe it, sis!! I have been in love with this seafoam green color lately & this is just too cute. The seamlines have an open-seam look which makes it look kind of distressed & like you’re not all put together. I’m wearing a small & it fits a little bit oversized, but is probably accurate for a men’s size small.

Follow me on Instagram for more outfit inspiration including try ons in my stories! // @simplysmalltownblog

This weekend I have my cousin’s baby’s first birthday party which I’m super excited for! It’ll be a nice break from finishing up student’s schedules. #lifeofamiddleschoolcounselor Staff reports to the building on Monday & we’ll have kids in the building starting Thursday. Oh! & my office is still under construction from HVAC work this summer. Yeah, ya girl is stressin’!

What are your plans for the weekend? Drop them below in the comments, or feel free to message us on Facebook or Instagram! We’d love to hear what you’re all up to. We hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

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